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Mueller Ultra Kettle M99S vs Hamilton Beach Electric Kettle (40880) Side-by-Side Comparison

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Mueller Ultra Kettle M99S vs Hamilton Beach Electric Kettle (40880)

Overall Verdict

Both the Mueller Ultra Kettle M99S and the Hamilton Beach Electric Kettle (40880) are solid choices with a difference in their material.

In the end, the former won thanks to its better thought out design. The Hamilton Beach has some unnecessary extra bottom stands that make the carafe slightly wobbly when boiling.

Other than that, both kettles have high quality design features including a removable limescale filter. In addition, the Mueller’s glass carafe has water-level markings and a blue LED ring while the Hamilton Beach’s carafe uses a water-level window with a white LED.

With identical power draws, the two kettles exhibited similar boiling speeds. However, the Hamilton Beach consumed more energy and emitted more noise during operation. Also, despite its stainless steel construction, the Hamilton Beach didn’t have as good heat retention.

Ranking by
Showing: 2/2 Items

Pros & Cons

  • Fast boiling time
  • Low energy consumption
  • Quite when boiling
  • Good heat retention
  • Inexpensive
  • Easy to use
  • Stainless steel carafe
  • Fast boiling time
  • Low energy consumption
  • Quiet boiling phase
  • Removable mesh filter
  • Handle not ideally shaped
  • Cord wrap loosely
  • Small opening
  • Wobbly kettle-to-base assembly

Key Specs

Dimensions
L8.27 x W6.34 x H8.78 inches
L8.27 x W6.34 x H8.78 inches
Weight
2.4 lbs (1.1 kg)
2.0 lbs (0.9 kg)
Material
Glass and BPA-free plastic
Stainless steel
Capacity
57.5 fl oz (1.7 L)
57.5 fl oz (1.7 L)
Power
1500 W
1500 W
Cord Placement
Base (cordless carafe)
Base (cordless carafe)

Where to Buy

Price at publication
$27.44
$38.09

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Analysis and Test Results

Performance

Overall Performance Scoring
8.1
7.8

Boiling Time

7.8
7.9
1.5 liter of water boiling inside the Mueller Ultra Kettle (M99S). The digital timer displays 07 minutes and 14 seconds.
1.5 liter of water boiling inside the Hamilton Beach Stainless Steel Electric Kettle (40880). The digital timer displays 07 minutes and 04 seconds.
Room Temperature
80°F
80°F
Water Volume
1.5 liters
1.5 liters
Boiling Time
7m 14s
7m 4s

Energy Consumption

8.4
7.6
The power meter reads the energy consumption of the Mueller Ultra Electric Kettle (M99S) to be 148 Wh.
The Mueller M99S uses 148 Wh to bring 1.5 liters of water to a boil.
The power meter reads the energy consumption of the Hamilton Beach Stainless Steel Electric Kettle (40880) to be 152 Wh.
Voltage
113 V
114 V
Current
10.97 A
11.40 A
Power
1230 W
1290 W
Energy Consumption
148 Wh
152 Wh

Noise Level

9.0
8.7
The Mueller Ultra Electric Kettle (M99S) is boiling 1.5 liters of water. The noise meter displays the maximum sound pressure level to be 70.3 dB. The power meter reads 113 V, 10.97 A, 1.23 kW, 73 Wh, 50 Hz, and 1.0 PF.
The Hamilton Beach Electric Kettle (40880) is boiling 1.5 liters of water. The noise meter displays the maximum sound pressure level to be 72.8 dB. The power meter reads 114 V, 11.40 A, 1.29 kW, 71 Wh, 50 Hz, and 1.0 PF.
Noise Level
70.3 dB
72.8 dB

Keep Warm

7.5
7.0
On the right is a Thermo Pro two-probe digital thermometer displaying 203°F for both probes. In the middle is the Mueller Ultra Electric Kettle (M99S) with 1.5 liters of water and two probes inside. On the right is a digital timer displaying 5 minutes on the countdown.
On the right is a Thermo Pro two-probe digital thermometer displaying 202°F for both probes. In the middle is the Hamilton Beach Stainless Steel Electric Kettle (40880) with 1.5 liters of water and two probes inside. On the right is a digital timer displaying 5 minutes on the countdown.
After 5 Minutes
203°F / 95.5°C
202°F / 95°C

Design

Overall Design Scoring
7.9
6.9

In the Box

On the upper right is the Mueller Ultra Electric Kettle (M99S). On the left is a cardboard box. Below the kettle, on the right is an instruction manual and on the left is the power base.
On the upper right is the Hamilton Beach Electric Kettle (40880). On the left is a cardboard box. Below the kettle, on the right is an instruction manual and on the left is the power base.

Dimensions

The Mueller Ultra Electric Kettle (M99S) is 8.27 inches in length, 6.34 inches in width, and 8.78 inches in height.
The Hamilton Beach Electric Kettle (40880) is 8.27 inches in length, 6.34 inches in width, and 8.78 inches in height.
Length
8.3" (21.0 cm)
8.3" (21.0 cm)
Width
6.3" (16.1 cm)
6.3" (16.1 cm)
Height
8.8" (22.3 cm)
8.8" (22.3 cm)
Weight
2.4 lbs (1.1 kg)
2.0 lbs (0.9 kg)

Carafe

8.0
6.0
The heating plate with a LED ring around it of the Mueller Ultra Electric Kettle (M99S).
The heating plate with a LED ring around it of the Mueller Ultra Electric Kettle (M99S).
The heating plate with a LED ring around it glowing blue of the Mueller Ultra Electric Kettle (M99S).
The mesh filter attached to the plastic black V-shaped spout of the Mueller Ultra Electric Kettle (M99S).
The plastic black bottom of the Mueller Ultra Electric Kettle (M99S).
The carafe of the Hamilton Beach Electric Kettle (40880) sitting on top of its power base.
The carafe of the Hamilton Beach Electric Kettle (40880) sitting on top of its power base.
The opening diameter of the Hamilton Beach Stainless Steel Electric Kettle (40880) is 2.95 inches.
The mesh filter attached to the plastic black V-shaped spout of the Elite Gourmet Electric Glass Kettle (EKT-602)
The heating plate and extended heating element of the Hamilton Beach Stainless Steel Electric Kettle (40880).
The plastic black bottom of the Hamilton Beach Stainless Steel Electric Kettle (40880).
Capacity
57.5 fl oz (1.7 L)
57.5 fl oz (1.7 L)
Weight
1.9 oz (53 g)
1.6 oz (47 g)
Materials
Borosilicate glass
Stainless steel
Spout
V-shaped
V-shaped
Opening Diameter
3.1" (8.0 cm)
3.0" (7.5 cm)
LED Ring
Blue
No
Filter
Fixed mesh
No
Water Level Markings
Yes
Yes
Tea Infuser
No
No

Handle

7.0
7.0
A person holding the Mueller Ultra Electric Kettle (M99S) by its handle.
The button for the pop-up lid of the Hamilton Beach Stainless Steel Electric Kettle (40880).
The button for the pop-up lid of the Hamilton Beach Stainless Steel Electric Kettle (40880).
Hamilton Beach Electric Kettle (40880) Handle 1
Materials
Cool-touch BPA-free plastic
Cool-touch BPA-free plastic
Type
Cool-touch, anti-slip
Cool-touch, anti-slip

Lid

7.0
7.0
The black pop-up lid of the Mueller Ultra Electric Kettle (M99S) has a silver button in the middle.
The black pop-up lid of the Mueller Ultra Electric Kettle (M99S) has a silver button in the middle.
The pop-up lid of the Mueller Ultra Electric Kettle (M99S) opens at a 75° angle.
The pop-up lid of the Hamilton Beach Stainless Steel Electric Kettle (40880).
The pop-up lid of the Hamilton Beach Stainless Steel Electric Kettle (40880).
The pop-up lid of the Hamilton Beach Stainless Steel Electric Kettle (40880) opens at an 80° angle.
Materials
BPA-free plastic
BPA-free plastic
Type
Hinged
Hinged
Open Mechanism
Push-button pop-up
Push-button pop-up

Base

9.0
9.0
The top of the power base of the Mueller Ultra Electric Kettle (M99S).
The top of the power base of the Mueller Ultra Electric Kettle (M99S).
The bottom of the power base of the Mueller Ultra Electric Kettle (M99S) has a cord storage and also three small anti-slip rubber pads.
The top of the power base of the Hamilton Beach Stainless Steel Electric Kettle (40880).
The top of the power base of the Hamilton Beach Stainless Steel Electric Kettle (40880).
The bottom of the power base of the Hamilton Beach Stainless Steel Electric Kettle (40880) has a cord storage and also three small anti-slip rubber pads.
Materials
BPA-free plastic
BPA-free plastic
Type
360°
Swivel 360°
Cord Storage
Yes
Yes

Power Cord

The power cord of the Mueller Ultra Electric Kettle (M99S) is 30.31 inches long.
The two-pronged plug of the Elite Gourmet Electric Glass Kettle (EKT-602).
The two-pronged plug of the Elite Gourmet Electric Glass Kettle (EKT-602).
Hamilton Beach Electric Kettle (40880) Power Cord 1
Type
three-pronged plug
two-pronged plug
Power
1500 W
1500 W
Rated Output
120 V ~ 60 Hz
120 V ~ 60 Hz
Cord Placement
Base
Base
Cord Length
30.3" (77.0 cm)
26.18 in. (66.5 cm)

Usability

Overall Usability Scoring
7.5
6.5

User Control

7.0
6.0
The power switch located on the handle of the Mueller Ultra Electric Kettle (M99S).
The metal black power switch of the Hamilton Beach Stainless Steel Electric Kettle (40880).
Control
One touch
One touch
Indicator Light
No
Blue LED
Display
No
No
Temperature Control
No
No
Presets
No
5
Keep Warm
No
30 minutes
Automatic Shut-Off
Yes
Yes
Boil-Dry Protection
Yes
Yes

Ease of Use

8.0
7.0
A person in a grey shirt pouring water from the Mueller Ultra Electric Kettle (M99S) into a glass.
A person in a grey shirt pouring water from the Hamilton Beach Stainless Steel Electric Kettle (40880) into a glass.

Cleaning

7.0
6.0
A person in a black shirt holding the Mueller Ultra Electric Kettle (M99S) by its handle on one hand and the other hand wiping the carafe interior with a piece of tissue.
A person in a black shirt holding the Mueller Ultra Electric Kettle (M99S) by its handle on one hand and the other hand wiping the carafe interior with a piece of tissue.
The removable mesh filter of the Mueller Ultra Electric Kettle (M99S).
Hamilton Beach Electric Kettle (40880) Cleaning